Preparing for the Camino

Last Updated on September 6, 2017 by lydiaf1963

There are many people who decide on a whim to drop everything and spend 6 weeks or so walking across Spain. I’m not one of them! I’ve been preparing for the Camino for almost a year; physically, mentally and spiritually. At this point I have to trust that my efforts have been sufficient, because I leave tomorrow.

As mentioned in another post, I’d been toying with the idea of walking the Camino Francés for while. Many people walk the entire 780 km without being physically fit in the beginning. Some of them have medical conditions or physical disabilities that make the journey even more challenging. Others, like me, had to overcome the idea of travelling by themselves.

YOU’LL NEVER WALK ALONE

I expect to spend a significant portion of my Camino tending to spiritual needs. I have links to podcasts so I can listen to the Episcopal Church’s Daily Office as well as a copy of the Book of Common Prayer on my phone for days when the signal is sketchy. My sister Laura was a great help in finding some of the apps I’ve downloaded. I’m planning to attend the Pilgrim’s Mass on occasion and partake if the local priest allows.

IT STARTS WITH THE SHOES

Whether you wear hiking boots, trail shoes or go barefoot is entirely up to you. One thing I’ve learned is shoes that are comfortable for a couple of miles can become torture devices around Mile 6 (that’s 10 km for those who are wondering). I haven’t gone barefoot but I have walked at least 10 miles (16 km) in a variety of shoes and socks.

Yes, socks are important, too. Thanks to my practice hikes I learned my “special” hiking socks rubbed the ball of my left foot raw. One type of sock felt great in the trail shoes, but crowded my feet in the boots. Socks with an annoying seam at the toe…are not in my pack. The practice hikes were good for more than building stamina. I now know which parts of my feet tend to rub and which toes will get blisters. My feet were pretty messed up a couple months ago when I started hiking regularly. Now before I leave for a hike, I make sure to use paper tape and tubular bandages to protect my feet.

I’m planning to wear my boots and carry a pair of walking sandals as a change plus a pair of flip flops for the shower. Too many shoes, but right now I’m unable to find a new pair of sandals that can get wet. I’m also bringing a pair of trekking poles. They really save some wear and tear on my hips and knees and they help establish a good rhythm.

CARRY ONLY WHAT YOU NEED

According to various Camino websites and forums the rule of thumb is to carry around 10% of your body weight. This seems like good advice because food, water and shelter are available at regular intervals along the Camino. At most you’ll want to carry a liter or two of water and maybe a snack to eat in addition to your pack. With that in mind, I purchased a 45 liter backpack with an interior frame and a rain cover. Once I started hiking with the pack I decided it was too much trouble to remove it every time I wanted a drink of water. I ended up buying a sling bag that will serve as my lunch bag on the Camino and my purse when I’m sightseeing.

My clothes are all performance fabrics from various manufacturers. I want the assurance that they’ll dry quickly. The conventional wisdom is you only need two outfits. Some people sleep in the clothes they plan to wear the next day. I’m more comfortable with three outfits. The third will be a pair of leggings and a soft cotton t shirt to sleep in. Both those items can also be worn as layering pieces during the day if necessary.

I’ve packed and weighed. Unpacked, made hard decisions and repacked. Weighed again. Right now my backpack weighs around 12 pounds. I’m indulging myself by bringing along a knitting project for the evenings. I’m pretty sure I won’t regret it, but I’ll revisit that statement at the end of the Camino!

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Here’s a list of the items I’m taking with me. I’ll come back and revisit this post to indicate things I didn’t use or things I had to purchase.

Equipment:

• 45 liter backpack with internal frame Very comfortable once I figured out how to pack it and adjust the straps for the best fit to my body.
• army surplus poncho liner  Most but not all albergues supply blankets. Next time I’m taking a 3 season sleeping bag.
• silk sleeping bag liner (I opened up one of the side seams) Nice during warm weather and as a barrier between your skin and scratchy albergue blankets.
• pashmina – a large square scarf that can be used for a variety of things. I used this as a lightweight blanket when warm, and later as a privacy screen by hanging from the top bunk.
• two three foot cords to secure these together. These also worked as a makeshift clothes line when tied to the frame of the top bunk.
• down jacket that squishes into a cylinder to wear or use as a pillow in a pinch
• silk gloves Glad I had the gloves and jacked when I needed them.
• rain poncho Used for three days and I was glad I had it because there were no stores around when it started raining.
• hiking boots These held up well, and they saved me from a rolled ankle on more than one occasion. Need to replace the insoles before the next hike.
• walking sandals
• flip flops Replaced both the sandals and the flip flops with a pair of hiking sandals that could be worn with socks or get wet in the shower
• trekking poles Had to replace in Leon, a bit disappointing, but serviceable poles are terribly expensive.
• snazzy hat Worn every day and when hung from the top bunk, served as a place to store my glasses when sleeping.
• head lamp purchased after a few early mornings
• small container for leftover food

Clothing (Used lightweight mesh veggie bags for organization):

• two pairs underwear
• two bras Went “commando” a couple times during the wet weather to ensure I had a dry change.
• 5 pairs of socks various weights and lengths (socks are changed about halfway through the day) After a week I stopped changing my socks at lunchtime. Once it cooled down my cotton socks didn’t dry overnight. I bought a pair of socks when I ran out of dry ones and ditched the cotton. 
• 2 short sleeve quick dry tops
• 1 long sleeve quick dry top
• 1 soft cotton t shirt Left it behind when I bought a second long sleeved top
• 1 lightweight jacket I wore this nearly everyday. It protected my arms from the sun and was extra cushioning for my backpack straps.
• 1 pair capris Left these behind when I bought a pair of hiking pants. I was sad to see them go as I’d been training in them for nearly a year. The seams were nearly worn through so I can’t complain 🙂
• 1 skort
• 1 pair leggings Worn underneath the skort when the weather turned cold.

Toiletries and Other Items:

• pocket knife with blade, corkscrew and detachable fork
• cloth napkin
• waxed cloth for wrapping food Used more as a plate than a wrapper.
• couple small ziploc bags Store small items and food, protect others from the rain.
• plastic shopping bag Great for storing trash until you can throw it away properly.
• tissues Please avoid leaving these behind on the trail!
• ear plugs
• soap/shampoo Used a travel bottle and refilled when I stayed in a private room
• travel toothbrush
• travel sized toothpaste
• travel laundry sheets Used a couple times, most places had laundry soap available
• disposable razor Only used when I stayed in a private room. Luxury!
• small manicure kit w tweezers Gotta keep those chin hairs in line!
• toe nail clippers I stayed ahead of foot problems by carrying these.
• q tips
• hook for hanging personal items in shower Really didn’t need this. I could have improvised with other items.
• large and small carabiner Great for hanging stuff off your backpack or from the bed frame.
• safety pins for hanging clothes and repairs Extremely useful as many albergues were short on clothes pins. Also great for hanging damp items from your backpack.
• duct tape for unexpected repairs (wrapped around the trekking poles) Never used, but I saw where others had made repairs to torn rain gear.
• microfiber towel I had a small towel that was adequate, but better suited for the gym. Hang from the bunk to dry and provide a little privacy.
• bandages, paper tape, tube bandages for feet Stopped using the paper tape after a week or so. Used the tubular bandages everyday. Easy to find replacements on the trail.
• painkillers Take some PM type painkillers, too. I needed them a couple times.

Items in my Sling Bag:

• wallet with $$$, credit card, residency card, insurance card I paid cash for everything except the private hotels. You might not spend it, but plan on 50 euros per day and be aware not every town has an ATM. Your guide book will indicate where to find them.
• Pilgrim Credencial which allows me to stay in the albergues Keep this in something to prevent it from getting wet.
• prescription sunglasses
• hand held fan  I rarely needed it and used it out of habit as much as anything.
• mobile phone with Kindle app and a downloaded copy of Dintaman’s guide (affiliate link) available to use offline. I had a signal in most places, but not all. Great for taking photos and keeping in touch.
• pouch with equipment to keep my phone charged Kept things organized, but could have used a zip top bag.
• will also carry 1 1/2 to 2 liters of water plus something to eat every day I used 3 500ml bottles and split the load between my sling back and pack. There are lots of places to refill or purchase something to drink and eat.